Support communities to find solutions at the intersection of agriculture and housing

Recommendation Status: In Progress

Are you working on this recommendation? Let us know.

Recommendation: Investigate whether zoning regulations and conservation easements could have roles in permitting more housing units on agriculture parcels, including model ordinances. Help rural communities understand intersections between agriculture and housing and find local solutions related to accessory dwelling units, mobile or modular housing, and renting.

Current work happening on this recommendation:

• American Farmland Trust (AFT) is elevating farmland conversion and Farms Under Threat data in New Hampshire in public and professional forums, explicitly framing the intersection of farmland protection and housing development pressures. AFT staff will present to NH audiences (including planning and food system convenings) on balancing farmland conservation with housing needs, helping to create a shared evidence base for cross‑sector dialogue. AFT co-leads the Farmland Protection & Housing Implementation Work Group This work positions AFT as a technical resource for land‑use conversations.
  • How can you learn more and get involved? Reach out the Jamie Pottern, Senior New England Program Manager, jpottern@farmland.org
     

Craving context? This recommendation is included in the Labor & Workforce brief, part of the NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan.

Read the Labor & Workforce brief here